PCSO and CPS Work Together to Arrest Suspect for Sexual Misconduct with a Minor

Posted: 1/16/2014 12:00 AM

On Tuesday, January 14th, 2014 at 11:35 a.m. a representative from Child Protective Services (CPS) contacted the Pinal County Sheriff’s Office to report a possible case of child abuse. CPS had just received a phone call on their hotline reporting a case of sexual misconduct with a minor (4-year-old female child) allegedly committed by Dalton Cole (age 18 of San Tan Valley). The residence where the sexual misconduct allegedly occurred was near the intersection of West Hunt Highway and North Mountain Vista Boulevard, San Tan Valley.

Detectives from the Pinal County Sheriff’s Office – Criminal Investigations Bureau immediately went to work on the case. That same afternoon, the 4-year-old female victim was interviewed. Detectives were able to determine there was inappropriate sexual conduct between her and Dalton Cole, a family acquaintance. The two cases occurred in October or November of 2013 and once again in January of 2014.

Dalton Cole was interviewed by detectives and made admissions which corroborated significant portions of the victims account of what occurred.

Dalton Cole was arrested on the same day this was reported to Child Protective Services and our office. He was booked into the Pinal County Jail for Sexual Misconduct with a Minor, a Dangerous Crime Against a Child. He is currently being held on a “No Bond Status.”

Sheriff Paul Babeu stated, “This case is an example of how serious law enforcement takes any allegation of reported abuse against a child. The overwhelming majority of children who are sexually abused are abused by someone they know and trust, a person most parents would never suspect. It is important adults with children encourage their children to know they can talk with them about anything. If you suspect a child has been sexually abused, report it immediately to law enforcement. Child Protective Services has been in the news regarding their failure to investigate over 6,000 reported cases of child abuse. This case is an example of the good work their staff does to protect children. I want to thank them publically for the quick reporting to our office which prevented further harm to this child and helped us put this predator behind bars.”